The Scary Short Stories Blog by award-winning author Andrew Barger (that would be me). It's where I discuss the scariest stories in the supernatural genres. I emphasize classic scary short stories. I also provide insight into the origins of the stories and the authors behind them. Visit AndrewBarger.com to check out my books and to be scared.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Top 10 Horror Short Stories 1850-1899 Picked by Andrew Barger

Over the past few months I have been counting down the best scary short stories from 1850-1899 under the guise that I would reveal the Top 10 Horror Short Stories in my new anthology. Well, the time has come and a hearty BOO! to all.

The best horror short stories from the last half of the nineteenth century are combined for the first time by Andrew Barger (that would be me), award-winning author and editor of 6a66le: Best Horror Short Stories 1800-1849. They are also annotated.

I have meticulously researched the finest Victorian horror short stories and combined them into one undeniable collection. I have added my familiar scholarly touch by annotating the stories, providing story background information, author photos and a list of horror stories considered.

Historic Horror. The best horror short stories from the last half of the 19th century include nightmare tales by Bram Stoker, Arthur Conan Doyle, Joseph Le Fanu, W. C. Morrow, H. G. Wells, Arthur Machen, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and other early founders of the horror tale.

A Terror Tour Guide (2016) by Andrew Barger (A leading voice in the gothic literature space, I set the stage for this anthology of nightmares.)

The Pioneers of Pike’s Peak (1897) by Basil Tozer (Hoards of giant spiders on a Colorado mountain. What could go wrong?)

Lot No. 249 (1892) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Perhaps the premier mummy horror story ever recorded from the master that is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is measured out to its climatic ending.)

The Yellow Wallpaper (1892) by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (Explore the depths of insanity.)

Green Tea (1871) by Joseph Le Fanu (One of the most haunting horror stories by the Irish master.)

What Was It? (1859) by Fitz James O’Brien (Sometimes the worst horror is one you can't see.)

Pollock and the Porroh Man (1897) by H. G. Wells (Wells takes us deep into the jungle and its wrought supernatural horror.)

The Spider of Guyana (1857) by Erckmann-Chatrian (The first giant spider horror story is one of its best.)

The Squaw (1893) by Bram Stoker (The author of Dracula never disappoints.)

The Great God Pan (1894) by Arthur Machen (Mythic horror that gained much praise from H. P. Lovecraft.)